Church seeks nominations of 'Warriors'

Candlelight Christian Fellowship is looking for a few good "Warriors."

Through its new "Children of Warriors" ministry, the Coeur d'Alene church is seeking nominations of local residents "who exemplify resilience and strength in character, parenting, and/or guardianship amidst difficult circumstances."

It's offering a contest with prizes.

A short video, less than two minutes, or one to two-page written submission must be developed by a person 18 years or younger nominating a “warrior” for recognition. A “warrior” is that person who, through facing trial, has demonstrated heroic action and perseverance. A warrior may be anyone from a single parent to a first responder or casualty of war.

"The mission of Children of Warriors is to provide enrichment opportunities to children ages 1-18 — along with their families — by discovery, assessment, and supply," according to a press release.

Pastor Paul Van Noy said the goal is to develop resources for the support of children and their families.

He said challenges concerning ministry to the needy are three-fold: discovery, assessment, and funding.

"We see many coming in the front doors of the church looking for help even while knowing there are many who are outside and undiscovered," he wrote. "The Children of Warriors program is designed to give special focus on children but is intended to reach them proactively over and against reaction."

Candlelight's other benevolence programs tend toward response to request, rather than as outreach.

"We want to do both," Van Noy said.

He said the church has learned that help is much more than monetary. It is spiritual, social, educational, psychological and physical.

"We what to address all human needs, in Jesus’ name," Van Noy wrote.

There will be two grand prize winners in Shoshone County and two grand prize winners in Kootenai County.

They include a trip for two (one adult and one child) to the Noah’s Ark museum in Kentucky, and a trip for an adult and child for an upper rim and rafting trip at the Grand Canyon. Both are valued at $5,000.

Submissions should be uploaded to www.childrenofwarriors.org by June 14. Awards will be given at the “Kids and Rigs” at the Silver Lake Mall on July 3.